Whether it’s a classic drive along the coast, a food and wine trail through the countryside, or an epic Outback adventure, there’s a road trip for everyone in NSW. Here are six NSW road trips your clients will love:
Dreaming of sun, sand and sea? Check out The Grand Pacific Drive to Jervis Bay
Head south from Sydney and pass through the Royal National Park before traversing the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge. Follow the Grand Pacific Drive to Wollongong, stopping for an animal encounter at Symbio Wildlife Park, a surf lesson with Australian Surf School or a cold brew at The Illawarra Brewery. Don’t miss the Kiama Blowhole before heading onwards to the Shoalhaven region for paddock to plate dishes at Bangalay Dining, or an oyster shucking experience at Jim Wild’s Oysters. Stand-up paddle board in the clear blue waters of Jervis Bay with Jervis Bay Wild.
Dreaming of big sky country? Head from Sydney to Lightning Ridge
The historic mining town of Lightning Ridge is just shy of nine hours’ drive from Sydney and there’s plenty of great stops for your clients to make along the way. Visit Scenic World or go abseiling with High and Wild Adventures in the Blue Mountains, indulge in local produce at Lowe Wines in Mudgee and grab coffee at Stone’s Throw in Walgett. Arrive at Lightning Ridge and join a guided tour at The Big Opal, visit John Murray Art Gallery or unwind in a naturally heated bore bath.
Dreaming of adventure? Take the Mighty Murray River Drive
Starting in Albury, be delighted by contemporary art and Indigenous works at Murray Art Museum Albury and enjoy lunch at The River Deck Café, before passing through the quaint heritage town of Corowa to sample organic chocolate at Corowa Whisky and Chocolate. Continue on to Australia’s paddle-steamer capital, Moama, before reaching Deniliquin – home of the renowned Deni Ute Muster.
Dreaming of a quick coastal getaway? Head out from Sydney to Newcastle
Heading north of Sydney, your clients can check out some of the most lustrous Akoya pearls in the world at the Broken Bay Shellar Door, go behind the scenes with a winemaker at Fires Creek Winery and enjoy lunch by the water at Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows. Once in Newcastle, admired by artists, families and couples alike, go whale watching with CoastXP, visit Fort Scratchley Historic Site or tour the craft beer and food scene with Dave’s Brewery Tours.
Dreaming of some clear mountain air? Drive from Sydney to Jindabyne
Your clients can enjoy this drive in two parts. Drive two hours’ south from Sydney and stop in Goulburn for a selfie with the Big Merino and baked goods from Trappers Bakery. Continue on to Cooma, the largest town in the alpine region and home to the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre. In Jindabyne, go mountain biking with K7 Adventures, horse riding with Reynella Rides, hiking with Alpine River Adventures or fly fishing with Aussie Fly Fisher.
Dreaming of nature? Check out Waterfall Way
Lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls and lofty lookout platforms – this is one of the ultimate Northern NSW road trips for your clients. Starting in Coffs Harbour, visit The Big Banana or go stand-up paddle boarding with Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours, before turning inland toward the charming town of Bellingen where you can rent canoes from Bellingen Canoe Adventures. Soak up the views from the Skywalk Lookout in Dorrigo National Park, and take a lush rainforest walk to Crystal Shower Falls. Step away from nature and arrive in the picturesque town of Armidale.
For more NSW experiences and product, check out the Destination NSW Travel Trade Toolkit.
